As the Algerian Ligue 1 continues to unfold, we are set for another exciting encounter on Monday, July 10th, 2023, between the current league leader CR Belouizdad and the 8th placed USM Khenchela. The venue for this battle is Stade Hamam Ammar in Khenchela, a fortress where the hosts are undefeated in their last six outings.
Belouizdad, currently holding the top spot with an impressive 61 points, are coming off a triumphant 3-1 victory over USM Alger. Their dominance in the league is evident, but the league leaders have the added pressure of maintaining their position at the top of the table. A win in Khenchela would further solidify their status as favorites for the title.
On the other hand, USM Khenchela, sitting comfortably in the 8th position with 39 points, are looking to bounce back after a close 2-1 defeat to NC Magra. Despite their lower league standing, Khenchela has shown an unyielding spirit at home, managing to remain undefeated in their last six matches at the Stade Hamam Ammar. The question remains: can their home advantage help overcome the formidable Belouizdad side?
Both teams carry significant statistical weight into this encounter. Belouizdad’s superior performance in the last five games compared to Khenchela might tilt the scales in their favor. However, football is not played on paper, and the undefeated home run of Khenchela could prove an X-factor.
The stakes are further heightened when we consider the last head-to-head meeting between these two teams. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for Belouizdad, a result Khenchela will be eager to reverse. Home turf could provide the morale boost needed to take on the table-toppers.
A closer look at the stats offers some intriguing insights. When Khenchela leads 1-0 at home, they win in 81% of their matches. However, similarly, when Belouizdad leads 0-1 away, they also claim victory in 81% of their games. Conversely, both teams struggle to recover when they are down, with neither able to turn around a losing position.
Yet, a glaring issue for Khenchela has been their goal drought. They haven’t managed to find the net in their last three matches, which might prove problematic against a high-scoring team like Belouizdad. In contrast, the league leaders have proven their ability to score on the road, averaging 1.12 goals per away game.
The first half could be a pivotal period in this encounter. USM Khenchela wins the first half in 25% of their matches, whereas Belouizdad has a lower percentage at 17%. It could be a case of ‘first goal wins’ in this match, considering the aforementioned stats when either team takes the lead.
So, what can we expect from this matchup? Despite the statistical advantage leaning towards Belouizdad, Khenchela’s home strength is not to be underestimated. This game may be a true test of Khenchela’s defensive resolve and their ability to break their scoring drought. For Belouizdad, it’s an opportunity to assert their dominance and prove why they’re leading the Algerian Ligue 1.
This match is more than just a game; it’s a battle of home turf invincibility against the irresistible force of league dominance. As the tension builds up to Monday’s showdown, both teams have a point to prove, making this a must-watch encounter for every football enthusiast. Rezilta.com predict a low scoring game with a possible full time draw.
